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I haven’t flown in a year and a half. What do I need to do?

Asked by: 3408 views Flight Instructor, Light Sport Aircraft

A year and a half ago when I was on a break from school I started working towards my light sport license.  I got all the hours done and got everything checked off to take the knowledge test and the check ride but with complications with my school, I was never able to do it.  Now that I have graduated, I have some more free time and really want to get it done.  Will I have to start all over or will I just have to go back to my instructor, or another one, and fly a couple more hours to get checked off again?  Thank you for your time and help!

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2 Answers



  1. Wes Beard on Jun 07, 2015

    Most likely you will spend several more hours with an instructor prepping you again for the checkride before they are ready to sign you off again for the practical test. The previous signoff expired after 60 days. If you received one.

    If you have taken the knowledge test, it is valid for 24 calendar months so you may not have to retake that. Check the date. The instructor will make sure through ground and oral questioning that you remember the what a sport pilot needs to know.

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  2. Mark Kolber on Jun 07, 2015

    Will I have to start all over or will I just have to go back to my instructor, or another one, and fly a couple more hours to get checked off again?

    All of the hours you have accumulated and all of the required tasks you have completed still count. The FAA does not have a CFI-student “marriage” rule, so you can use any CFI you want t this point.

    Since you say you have not taken the knowledge test, you will need an endorsement for that (or a substitute such as a self-student graduation certificate). And, while (again you are assuming you have done all the hours and tasks) the only practical test requirement are CFI sign-off and 2 hours of training within the 2 calendar months prior to the test, your CFI, whether the same or a different one, is going to make sure you are up to speed and have the skill and knowledge to pass before that sign-off.

    BTW, with a year and a half off, you may find that both your knowledge and flight skills have atrophied somewhat and, if you are typical, it will be the knowledge that is more difficult to get back.

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